---
title: "I just got two plants from a big box store (where I don't usually buy…"
description: "I just got two plants from a big box store (where I don't usually buy plants from, but I found some I couldn't resist), and I'm seeing what looks like thrips…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/yZcDGUu8l2aYyy93pO8Xw1"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Olivia"
published: "2025-09-06T13:43:57.550815Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ns-JxPa9235RIIgqnASkiZBnLirK3YwnnD0Sl0JYmvg/p1BDqeQyRI-yn-Isxh7nuA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I just got two plants from a big box store (where I don't usually buy…

_Posted by Olivia on 2025-09-06_

I just got two plants from a big box store (where I don't usually buy plants from, but I found some I couldn't resist), and I'm seeing what looks like thrips damage on a few of the leaves, although I inspected the plants closely before buying and didn't see any bugs—but I'd rather be safe than sorry when I have so many other plants at home bc an infestation would be devastating.

What tips do you have for giving plants the full anti-pest treatment? I'll definitely be rinsing them off in the shower, but should I do a full dunk of some sort? And if so, what to dunk them in—I think I've seen people use peppermint castille soap? All advice is appreciated! I'm also planning to quarantine them but not sure for how long?

I do also have systemic granules, which I haven't yet used but this seems like it might be the time to break them out...

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ns-JxPa9235RIIgqnASkiZBnLirK3YwnnD0Sl0JYmvg/p1BDqeQyRI-yn-Isxh7nuA.webp?size=large)

## 1 comment

### Abbi commented on 2025-09-06

Id def use the sysyemic on them, that worked very well for me. I think I read that it can take a week to ten days to start working. In the mean time,, to keep them from damaging the plants more,, some sort of spray or dunk would be a good idea. One time isn't usually enough to knock them out tho, which is why its easier to use the systemic. I basically just quarantined my plants until I didn't see thrips anymore but it would probably be best to wait until a couple of weeks after you've seen them to let them join the others.

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